Neocussonia rainaliana (Bernardi) Lowry, G.M. Plunkett, Gostel & Frodin, 2017

Lowry Ii, Porter P., Plunkett, Gregory M., Gostel, Morgan R. & Frodin, David G., 2017, A synopsis of the Afro-Malagasy species previously included in Schefflera (Araliaceae): resurrection of the genera Astropanax and Neocussonia, Candollea 72 (2), pp. 265-282 : 279

B12. Neocussonia rainaliana (Bernardi) Lowry, G.M. Plunkett, Gostel & Frodin , comb. nov.

÷ Schefflera rainaliana Bernardi in Candollea 35: 112. 1980.

Typus: MADAGASCAR. Prov . Toliara: Fort-Dauphin , Station Forestière de Mandena, 17.II.1972, bud, fl., Debray 1730 (holo: P [ P00442772 ]!) .

Habitat and distribution. – Neocussonia rainaliana is restricted to low elevation littoral forest on sand at three sites to the N of Tolagnaro in southeastern Madagascar (Antsotso, Mandena and Ste Luce) ( MADAGASCAR CATALOGUE, 2017). Commercial exploitation of ilmenite (titanium oxide) by Rio Tinto QMM has impacted the local populations at the latter two sites, although substantial portions of the remaining forest (c. 660 ha at Mandena and c. 780 ha at Ste Luce) have been formally designated as protected areas that are being managed with support from the mining company.

Notes. – This species was described on the basis of a single, rather fragmentary unicate specimen, but intensive botanical inventory work in the Tolagnaro region (see LOWRY et al., 2008; MADAGASCAR CATALOGUE, 2017) has generated nearly 30 additional collection, confirming the distinctiveness of this taxon.